(posted by Patrik) Well, it happened; we crossed an ocean. When the world is on lockdown and everyone is supposed to be “social distancing,” what do you do? You take it to the next level and join two complete strangers for a few weeks at sea aboard a 41-foot sailboat. That’s right, this is our … Continue reading Hilo, Hawaii to San Diego — Akela style
16 Days at Sea
(posted by Dan and Emma) After our 2000-mile journey together, Jim asked us to write about our time on Akela. We, Dan and Emma, are two sailors from San Francisco looking for more ocean crossing experience before taking the plunge and starting our own bluewater adventure. Preparations Our journey started when we met Jim online … Continue reading 16 Days at Sea
Bound for Hawaii
July 20, 2020: After three false starts, I was finally on my way back to Akela, which had been abandoned in Taiohae Bay, Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia. I had two bags packed full of replacement parts, tools, spares, provisions, and clothes that I will need for the 2000 mile sail to Hawaii, followed by a … Continue reading Bound for Hawaii
Planning the long journey home
I flew home for Christmas, and stayed for the pandemic. Next up -- I'll find my way back to my beloved South Pacific and spend the remaining part of the summer aboard Akela making the long journey home. I had left Akela in Taiohae Bay, Nuku Hiva, in the Marquesas Islands with my friend Nico … Continue reading Planning the long journey home
On the road to the Marquesas Festival
(posted by Marine) In November, Jim accepted 2 new crewmates on Akela : Nico and me, Marine, two dive instructors from Fakarava, dreaming to come back to the Marquesas Islands for the festival on Ua Pou in December. The first step was Tetamanu, in the south of Fakarava to dive with the gang on two … Continue reading On the road to the Marquesas Festival
A New Chapter
So what does a man do when his world is turned upside-down and inside-out? Out of breath 60 feet under the sea, looking for light find out which way to the surface? Having forgotten how to cry, now sobbing hysterically. Max wasn’t just first mate on our little ship. For the past year and a … Continue reading A New Chapter
Back to the South Seas
In January, Jim went back to USA for a couple of months, and Max sailed aboard Poppy with the Schlegels, the Danish family that we encountered in Moorea. Jim returned to Polynesia in March, meeting Max in Nuku Hiva. We sailed Akela from the Marquesas Islands to the Tuamotos, trying our hand at high seas … Continue reading Back to the South Seas
Open water passages
"Open Water Passages" by Max
Merry Christmas
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas! It's Christmas Eve and Max and I are heading offshore from Tahiti for a three or four day sail to the Tuamotus. We expect to make Fakarava by Thursday. If the weather is good, we will make Makemo by Friday. We plan to wait in Makemo for … Continue reading Merry Christmas
Ua Pou to Rarioa
This entry was made by Matt Left the pointy volcanic islands of the Marquesas and sailed for 4 days south to the flat Tuomotus atolls. Just as we were leaving Ua Pou island we saw a cloud of various sea birds directly in front of us. The birds are feeding on a large school of … Continue reading Ua Pou to Rarioa
Sail Akela 